Sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor in toluene oxidation in anaerobic conditions

In aerobic conditions, many of microorganisms cause decomposition of saturated hydrocarbons. Little publications are available relative to anaerobic transformation of these compounds, which provides substantial сapiltal saving for waste water treatment. At the same time, cultures found among aerobic decomposers of petroleum products are characterized by the ability to use elements with variable valence as terminal electron acceptors in oxidation of organic substances. Their ability to decompose aliphatic hydrocarbons helps to identify some of them. Purpose: studying the ability of a selected association of immobilized bacteria on a fibrous carrier to utilize sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor for toluene oxidation. Methodology/approach: Analytical summarizing of results, literature review, laboratory research based on standard and modern up-to-date methodologies with the use of modern analytical equipment. Findings: The availability of using microorganism selection is shown for expanding the range of polluting strippants in biological purification; the main directions are determined for the process intensification by immobilization of active sludge on a fibrous carrier. The ability of microorganisms to oxidize toluene under oxygen-free (anaerobic) conditions is studied in the laboratory conditions. Research implications: monoaromatic hydrocarbons, toluene, in particular, can be changed by selected associations of decomposers using terminal electron acceptors in oxidation of nitrates and sulfates.